Exhibit welcomes HSU alumni from 'Ten Years Out'

ARCATA -- In celebration of Humboldt State University's centennial year, the Reese Bullen Gallery at Humboldt State University invites the community to celebrate the return of seven HSU alumni artists and attend an exhibition that highlights their achievements a decade after graduation.

Titled "Ten Years Out," the exhibit features works by Gina Tuzzi, Colleen Sidey Yerian, Cyrus Smith, Wesley Hodges, Taylor Cornejo, Margo Duvall and Ricardo Cisneros. It opened Thursday and runs through March 8.

"Ten Years Out" includes photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, jewelry, ceramics and art involving social interaction. In the work presented, the artists explore concepts of identity, the majesty of nature, past reflections and echoes from the subtler side of human existence through music, discussions and interactive experiences.

Inspired by explorations of life culminating over the past 10 years, these graduates return to HSU to unite with current students and the community and share the impact of their experiences.

Margo Duvall, one of the artists exhibiting, said, "HSU was such an instrumental part in my development as a photographer and artist, and holds a very special place in my heart!"

Fellow artist Wesley Hodges concurs.

"I feel lucky to have the opportunity to study under some really great teachers at HSU (who were) my mentors in creating three dimensional art, studio practices, art marketing, and how to develop ideas into reality," said Hodges.

The Reese Bullen Gallery is located on the HSU campus in the Art Building, near the corner of Laurel Drive and B Street in Arcata. It is open Monday through Wednesday and Friday from noon to 5 p.m., Thursday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call the gallery at 826-5814.

Four Perspectives

One of the exhibits in the "Ten Years Out" show is a multi-platform art experience at HSU and beyond by artists Cyrus W. Smith and Luke Forsyth. Titled "Four Perspectives on Joseph Campbell," it comprises a series of events on the subject of Joseph Campbell, a leading figure in the study of comparative religion. Events include two facilitated discussions, an installation at the HSU main library and a live music experience at the Arcata Creamery Building.

The project begins with two facilitated conversations hosted by university professors Heather Madar and William Herbrechtsmeier. Both talks will be located at the Reese Bullen Gallery in the HSU art department. Madar, associate professor of art history, will discuss "Depictions of David" at 5 p.m. this coming Tuesday (Feb. 18). Herbrechtsmeier, professor of religious studies, will discuss "Myth, War, and Peace" at 3 p.m. next Friday (Feb 21). Presentations are open to the public, and will encourage audience participation.

The public is also invited to visit the Humboldt State University Main Library for an ongoing installation called "The Joseph Campbell Library Revisited," in which Campbell's personal bibliography will be cross-referenced with the HSU library. Selections will be made available for check-out to HSU library card holders. The installation is on view in the first-floor lobby, today through March 8.

"Four Perspectives on Joseph Campbell" will culminate with a live music experience at the Arcata Creamery Building, located at 824 L St. in Arcata. The performance will feature a live performance by "The Joseph Campbell Discussion Group," an experimental music ensemble from Portland, Ore. Special musical guests will include Medicine Ball of Arcata; Body Builders, a dance and music collaboration from Vancouver, B.C.; and Sad Vicious, "San Jose's most hated band" (their actual trademark).